Hoyer Statement on Social Security

WASHINGTON, DC – House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today after participating in a Social Security Rally on Capitol Hill:

“If Republicans thought there was no fight left in this Democratic Party, they were badly mistaken. Democrats are united in opposition to the Republican plan to privatize Social Security.

“We don’t oppose privatization because it is a Republican proposal. We don’t oppose privatization because it is President Bush’s proposal. We don’t oppose privatization because we are afraid of change. Democrats oppose privatization because it is a bad idea. We oppose privatization because it would increase our debt by trillions of dollars. We oppose privatization because it would force big cuts in guaranteed Social Security benefits.

“Democrats are united against privatization because it would sabotage – not strengthen – Social Security.

"Apparently the President of the United States is the only person in America who believes his 60-day road show went well. However, not only are Democrats united against privatization, but the American people are now united against privatization.

"Democrats and the American people are focused on strengthening Social Security for future generations. We are ready to work with Republicans to achieve that goal.”